ALABAMA (WRBL) — Officials with the Alabama Department of Public Health announced that a horse has tested positive for rabies.
Health experts confirmed the case after the horse's owners said they noticed the horse had scratch marks on her nose as she began rubbing and showing irritation, according to officials.
Officials say eventually, the horse's symptoms became worse as it began to stop eating, became violent, and began attacking and biting herself. The horse died 72 hours later.
The horse's body had been submitted to the J.B. Taylor Diagnostic Laboratory of the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries in Elba, and the samples were sent to the clinical laboratories in Mobile, according to the health department.
It was then confirmed that the horse was positive for rabies.
Officials say the horses that are unvaccinated on the property are being closely observed, while the owner, family members, and a neighbor who was exposed have begun rabies post-exposure treatment.
Rabies is a viral disease that is almost always fatal if untreated.
"Rabies is not as common in horses as in wildlife and domestic animals, but it is not rare. Rabies vaccines are available for horses and other livestock if recommended by a veterinarian. I encourage all horse owners to make rabies a part of their annual vaccination even though it is not legally required like in dogs and cats," said Dr. Dee W. Jones, state public health veterinarian.
Health officials say vaccinating animals reduces the risk of rabies infection should exposure occur and protects the animals, as well as their owners and caretakers.
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